A Comparative Study of Multimodal Metaphors in Chinese and American Climate News Cartoons

Abstract

The study employs Multimodal Metaphor Theory and Critical Metaphor Analysis to examine data from Chinese and American climate news cartoons using NVivo. This approach enables an exploration of the similarities and differences between China and the United States regarding climate issues, as the cartoons provide valuable insights into the cultural and political values associated with these issues. The main findings of the study are as follows: (1) The cartoons predominantly utilize a range of metaphorical constructs, including the “Threat metaphor,” “Responsibility metaphor,” “Hoax metaphor,” “Disease metaphor,” “War metaphor,” and “Journey metaphor.” (2) Multimodal metaphors are primarily conveyed through the interplay of textual and visual elements, as well as the juxtaposition of foreground and background. (3) A critical metaphor analysis of the data reveals that China and the United States share a similar stance on climate issues, with both nations actively pursuing solutions to combat climate change in cartoon news. However, the analysis of climate cartoon metaphors suggest that the United States adopts a contradictory stance and course of action in relation to China in news media presentation of climate issues.